Losing Weight and Gaining Perspective After Twins

Last updated on August 18th, 2023 at 01:31 pm

If you have ever struggled with losing weight and ever had that moment of ‘I can’t live like this anymore’, then you can relate. My moment came when I went to a baseball game and had bruises on my hips the next day from not being able to sit in the seats. At 316 lbs. I realized I didn’t want to continue on this path of self-destruction. I had struggled with my weight all my life but it had especially turned for the worst after having my twins. I was already considered “morbidly obese” when I became pregnant with them, but then I packed on another 70 lbs. I saw myself heading down a dangerous path. Gasping for breath when walking and not fitting into restaurant booths is definitely a time for change.

I would love to say my journey has been an easy one, but losing weight is one of the hardest things anyone has to endure. Not only does it take a massive amount of dedication and motivation, but you also need time and patience. Weight doesn’t come off as easy as it goes on, unfortunately. But I’m not here to talk about my weight loss (50 lbs. over the last 1 ½ years!) but something else I’ve discovered about myself, all while being a stay at home mom to my twins.

When I chose to start my path of losing weight I knew I would have to find a way while juggling my time with my twins. My oldest was in school, but I had my twins at home all day with me, and they demanded a lot of my time. I was lucky to already have a membership to our local YMCA but had hardly used it. I knew it was now or never to take the plunge and try it out. The first month was the hardest, my kids had never been away from me so leaving them in the care of others was hard. I was lucky in the sense that our YMCA not only had so much to offer along with exercising, it but had an amazing daycare with great, patient staff. I knew when I dropped them off that they would be well taken care and also get the social interaction they needed.

With headphones in my ears, I started with typical machines such as the elliptical, bike, and treadmill. Music is a great exercise motivator, but after months of this it can get very repetitive and boring. Early last year my friend suggested group exercise which I was willing to give a go. Three classes in I broke my wrist in class and that was end of that. I went back to machine work and didn’t think too much of it. A few months later a different group exercise was suggested, this time I tried a Zumba class.

Now for those of you who don’t know what Zumba is, it is dancing. And while that doesn’t sound like much of exercise, trust me, it’s one of the best cardio workouts out there! I’ve always been a big fan of dancing around in my house like a fool but the thought of doing it in public terrified me. I would like to say my first time, (or few times) were great but I would be lying. There is nothing more intimidating than dancing in an open space to a wall of mirrors with people walking the track behind you.

That was one year ago. One year ago I broke out of my comfort zone and started down the path I am now. I started with one goal, losing weight. Guess what? That number isn’t the only thing that’s important, it’s not important in the least. Even though I’ve lost 50 lbs. I have gained so much more in my life. Yes, I’m still considered “morbidly obese” by someone’s standards but I can tell you right now that I am in the best shape of my life. I have skinnier friends that have said that I could run circles around them, and well, I probably could. I can chase my kids around outside without gasping for a breath. I can sit in any booth at any restaurant without question. I also can look in a mirror without cringing. It’s little things, but for me, they couldn’t be bigger.

Also, my kids and myself have also gained so much socially. My twins started preschool this year and after all the time spent at the gym, and time away from me it was a piece of cake for them to go to school. There were no tears (except from me) and they have thrived so much. Group exercise has given me a sense of belonging. In a small town that I haven’t lived in that long I know that I can go and spend time with my “gym family”. We are all working towards similar goals and the enthusiasm and motivation is intoxicating. Over the past year I’ve been such a regular that I never have to check in and when I’m not there I am actually missed. “Where everybody knows your name” where people lift you up, not bring you down and it isn’t a bar.

I know a lot people say they don’t have the time, or they never get the chance to stick with it. I can tell you, you won’t find anything more beneficial in your life. My favorite quote that couldn’t be truer is “Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going”-Jim Rohn. Motivation and bruises got me started and now if I miss a day it feels so out of place. I started my group exercise with Zumba but now I have moved on to try other great classes. I also do weight lifting, cycling and a form of step aerobics. I also am stepping out farther of my comfort zone by signing up for my first 5k. I’m not saying it’s for everyone, but as a stay at home mom it’s important to find something for yourself, and in this case it benefits the kids as well. Go out, find something fun, something you enjoy, and in the process find yourself and what you are capable of.

Marlana Zank is a stay-at-home mom to three kids, including an eleven year old daughter and four year old boy/girl twins. Let’s not forgot her amazing husband and Luna, the newest four legged member to the family. Her hobbies include reading, Zumba at the local Y, and a crazy obsession to “Gilmore Girls”, “Parenthood”, and “Supernatural”. Realistic hobbies include laundry, house cleaning, cooking for picky kids, and knowledge of all Disney and Nickelodeon.

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